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WORKING WITH US
The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.
We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.
As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.
Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.
To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.
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ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY
Join the Harris Institute, a leading provider of professional development and training through three designated Teaching School Hubs. We deliver high-quality programs that empower schools and academies across London and South Essex to lead educational improvement.
As Apprenticeship Co-ordinator, you will play a key role in managing and supporting our apprenticeship programs. Reporting to the Teaching School Hubs and Apprenticeships Manager, you’ll be the main point of contact for apprentices and internal stakeholders, ensuring smooth administration, compliance, and a positive learning experience.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact on workforce development in education.
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MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Your job responsibilities will include:
Apprentice Lifecycle Management
- Onboarding & Induction: Co-ordinate the smooth induction of all new apprentices, ensuring they receive necessary documentation, program details, and are integrated into their respective teams.
- Administration: Maintain and quality assure all apprentice records, training agreements, and learning plans, in accordance with the apprenticeship funding rules.
- Compliance: Monitor and track apprentice progress against milestones, funding requirements, and End-Point Assessment (EPA) readiness, ensuring all programs comply with DfE, Ofsted, and Awarding Body regulations.
- Off-the-Job Training: Monitor and track the accurate recording of Off-the-Job training hours for all apprentices.
Stakeholder Engagement & Support
- Apprentice Support: Act as the first point of contact for apprentices, offering guidance, support, and signposting to relevant resources regarding their well-being, training, and workplace issues.
- Liaison: Build and maintain effective working relationships with Employers, internal line managers, and mentors to ensure consistent program delivery and feedback.
- Meetings: Ensure that all progress review meetings are being held and attended to, ensuring that outcomes are documented and follow up on agreed actions.
For a full list of responsibilities, please download the job pack.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We would like to hear from you if you have:
- The ability to co-ordinate and motivate a high-performing team.
- The ability to work in different sites across the organisation including London and Essex when needed.
- A pro-active and organised approach including to manage multiple priorities.
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable
- Proficient in the use of MS Office software packages, such as Word, Excel and Outlook, as well as search engines and online databases.
- Some experience of using social media platforms
For a full job specification, please download the job pack.
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APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION
If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.
Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.
When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.
A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.
OUR VISION & VALUES
Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.
We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
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WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.
You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:
- Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
- Annual performance and loyalty bonus
- Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
- 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
- Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
- Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
- Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
- Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
- 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
- Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans
For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.
This is a very special role with huge potential for the right candidate to deliver transformational impact in our communities in Somerset.
The Opportunity
There is significant potential for growth, particularly through gifts in Wills, working in partnership with professional advisers and growing high-value fundraising. We’re also broadening our appeal to a wider range of donors and partners having launched our Collective Giving Funds, which offer a compelling way for anyone to give strategically to the causes and places they care about in Somerset
As our Philanthropy and Marketing Director you will be at the forefront of this ambition. We’re looking for a strategic leader who can balance vision with execution to deliver great results. You’ll need to be a credible, emotionally intelligent and authentic relationship builder, adept at building trust, genuinely passionate about our mission and have strong alignment with our values.
This senior leadership role also holds strategic responsibility for marketing and brand positioning, enabling us to unlock the full potential of philanthropy in Somerset to drive change in our communities. We’ve recently invested in the growth of our Philanthropy and Marketing Team, and have welcomed a specialist marketing Trustee on to our Board.
We’re looking for an experienced and inclusive manager, confident at providing a balance of coaching and mentoring to help our talented team to develop and shine. And as an active and engaged member of our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll share our passion for continuous improvement, help to drive organisational growth and development, and provide expert advice and guidance to our Board of Trustees.
The impact we make as a charity is achieved largely through our funding programmes. You must have an appreciation of the role that community-led charities and groups play in creating positive change locally. And the role we, as a place-based funder, can play to support that work. You do not, however, need experience of working for a funder previously.
Download the recruitment pack to see the roles full responsibilities and required skills, knowledge and experience.
About Somerset Community Foundation
Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) (charity no.1094446) is a grant-making charity that helps build strong communities where everyone can thrive. We do this by funding local charities and facilitating local giving.
We provide simple, rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give locally, guided by research and our unrivalled local knowledge.
For small, local charities, community groups and social enterprises, we provide vital funding and support to help their organisations flourish. We raise and distribute between £4 million and £5 million of funding to local groups every year. We’re also building an endowment for long-term investment into our communities, which is currently valued at around £11 million.
By inspiring local giving and funding social action, we support local communities to drive change and realise their dreams.
SCF is part of a network of 47 Community Foundations operating throughout the UK. Together we are one of the largest funders of communities across the nation.
WE HELP PASSIONATE PEOPLE IN SOMERSET CHANGE THE WORLD ON THEIR DOORSTEP BY FUNDING LOCAL CAUSES AND INSPIRING LOCAL GIVING AND PHILANTHROPY.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Our ESOL service was established in 2017 and now runs 5 days per week and offers English lessons for resettled refugees and an English Club with an emphasis on learning skills for integration into UK society. We are a growing team of ESOL tutors and childcare professionals providing training to help refugees and their families to resettle in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire.
We are seeking someone who is creative, reflective and able to implement new ideas to continually improve practice and support the management team.This is an important role caring for children, maintaining a high quality, stimulating learning environment.
This role will deputise for creche session leaders in cases of staff sickness or training and will therefore be required to work on either site at short notice in such instances. Candidates must be able to be in either Shefford or Bedford from 9:30-14:30 with notice being given by 8:30am in case of cover need. Access to own vehicle or ability to use public transport/private hire vehicles is therefore essential for this role.
If you have any questions, please do get in touch.
To tackle homelessness, displacement and social isolation by providing opportunities for people to thrive and have a home.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
In-Work Support and Communication Assistant
Salary: £26,999 - £29,500 per annum, pro-rata (£13,114 – £14,329 per annum for 17 hours per week).
Hours: 17 hours per week, days to be agreed
Place of work: Action on Disability Centre for Independent Living, Mo Mowlam House, Clem Attlee Court, London SW6 7BF
Department: In Work Support
Reports to: Project Lead- Employment Development and Access Support
Contract period: Permanent (dependent on funding)
About Action on Disability
Action on Disability (AoD), founded in 1979, is one of London’s leading Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs). Guided by the Social Model of Disability, we work to remove barriers and promote equality, inclusion and choice for all Disabled people.
AoD is a medium-sized charity with a Board of Trustees, 27 staff, and a strong pool of casual staff and volunteers. Many of whom have lived experience of disability. We are proud that 100% of our Board and 54% of our staff identify as Disabled.
We deliver four key services: Youth, Employment, Welfare Benefits, and Independent Living.
Purpose of the Role
The postholder will play a key role in delivering high-quality, person-centred In-Work Support to Disabled employees and their employers. This includes maintaining accurate support plans, carrying out regular workplace visits and reviews, and ensuring support remains effective and tailored to individual needs. The role also involves supporting recruitment administration. The postholder will contribute to quality assurance by monitoring feedback, updating CRM systems, and supporting communication across the team. In addition, they will help organise staff and employer events, produce newsletters, and create engaging content to promote inclusive employment practices and celebrate the successes of the In-Work Support service.
Main Responsibilities
Service Delivery and Support Planning
- Update and maintain accurate support plans for In Work Support clients.
- Carry out regular workplace visits/support assessments and remote check-ins with employees to review progress and provide support.
Monitoring, Feedback, and Quality Assurance
- Chase, read, action, and securely store all feedback forms.
- Share relevant feedback and service updates with line manager in a timely manner.
- Ensure all CRM systems are updated with accurate and up-to-date records.
Recruitment Administration
- Support the recruitment process by being part of the interview panel, chasing references, scanning and storing key documents, and completing necessary online checks.
- Monitor and record completion of mandatory online training for new and existing staff.
Events and Communications
- Support the organisation and delivery of three annual staff events, ensuring accessibility and engagement.
- Create a fortnightly newsletter with updates, stories, and resources related to In-Work Support from feedback and visits.
Closing Date: Friday 2nd January 2026
Interview Dates: Week commencing 5th January 2026
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website where you can complete your application for this position.
You do not need to meet every point to apply. We welcome applications from Disabled people and value a wide range of experience, including lived experience of disability.
We welcome applications from Disabled people and will provide reasonable adjustments at all stages of recruitment and employment.
No agencies please.
Location: Hybrid
Department: External Affairs & Communications directorate
Salary: £51,000 - £57,500
Hours: This is a full-time post [35 hours per week], however, we welcome applicants with proposals for shared working arrangements or other flexibilities.
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 12th January 2026, 10.00am
Benefits: 10% employers pension contribution (NEST) HSF Health cash Plan-covering employee partners and dependants under 18 28 days Annual Leave plus bank holidays and increases with length of service 2 hours weekly wellbeing time out Employee assistance program , offering GP advice lines, virtual doctors, prescription services, emotional wellbeing support, a legal help line and counselling. Funded eye site test (Specsavers) Pay it forward days- 2 days volunteering Mindful Employer Perkbox and Reward Gateway – discount platforms
Overall Purpose
We are at a critical stage in the evolution of our strategy, and to help build the next era of healthcare, our influence with national decision makers will be crucial. The 10-year plan for the NHS creates opportunities for the NHS charity sector that we must capitalise on.
This role will report to the Associate Director of Policy and Influencing to help shape our policy and influencing activity, including assessing opportunities and risks, and make recommendations for action. This will involve building and utilising strategic relationships, as well as in-depth policy knowledge, to develop and take forward evidence-based and responsive propositions which translate into funded opportunities for the sector, and to influence for improvements in the policy and regulatory environment in which NHS charities operate, to enhance impact.
You will have experience of policy development, be a strategic thinker and excellent at building relationships in a complex stakeholder environment.
Overall objectives
• Work with the AD of Policy and Influencing to scope policy and influencing strategy, assessing opportunities and risks and make recommendations for action.
• Hold relevant policy, strategy and wider contextual expertise and knowledge for the organisation – and the sector – including in-depth understanding of current frameworks and horizon-scanning future developments, identifying issues of interest to the organisation and our members.
• Build long-term strategic relationships with policymakers – including Government, especially the Department of Health and Social Care, and other relevant NHS bodies and health organisations.
• Translate knowledge and strategic relationships into:
o Opportunities for the sector – including through propositions and influencing potential funders / commissioners / decision-makers.
o Improvements in the policy, regulatory and strategic environment within which NHS charities operate, through evidence-based policy calls and influencing.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The main duties and responsibilities of the role holder are as outlined below:
• Support the AD of Policy & Influencing on organisational policy and influencing strategy.
Policy development/ expertise
• Hold organisational policy expertise on identified issues for the NHS charity sector; developing evidenced-based policy positions and relevant strategy for influence.
• Working with the Insights and Impact Specialist ensure sector learnings and impact data inform organisational policy and are shared with policymakers.
• Produce policy briefings and reports for targeted stakeholders.
• Respond to relevant policy consultations.
• Provides reports and information for colleagues within NHS Charities Together to ensure understanding of policy and public affairs and to support organisational strategy.
• Lead on the policy content and analysis for policy and influencing tools such as Financial Comparison survey.
Influencing
• Build relationships with relevant strategic partners (and potential partners) in Government, health care, academia, VCSE and other sectors to support organisational strategy.
• Identify and connect into relevant networks, including representing the organisation and the sector.
• Arrange briefings and roundtable events for targeted stakeholders.
Membership Policy engagement
• Support communication and sector engagement related to policy and public affairs, including identifying relevant policy information needed from members; mobilisation of membership behind relevant calls, and supporting development of members’ skills and capacity relating to influencing and government relations.
Other Duties
• Act as a champion for NHS Charities Together and NHS charities.
• Visibly live NHS Charities Together’s values, including our commitment to diversity and inclusion, particularly by ensuring that our policy and public affairs activity takes into account the diversity of the communities and members that we support.
• Carrying out the duties of post in accordance with NHS Charities Together’s policies and procedures on Health and Safety and take responsibility for ensuring personal health and safety.
• Working flexibly, prioritising workload and working effectively as part of a team.
• Adhere to relevant legislation, best practice, policies and processes including, but not limited to charity law, the fundraising regulator, GDPR and professional codes and standards.
• Represent NHS Charities Together as needed.
REF-225 785
Join the RCR Learning Team as our Operations Officer and play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and innovation. This is a central position supporting the team’s strategic objectives, governance, and day-to-day activities. You’ll lead operational improvement projects, manage key business processes, and deliver outstanding customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.
What You’ll Do
As Operations Officer, you’ll be at the heart of our operations, ensuring the team runs smoothly and efficiently. Key responsibilities include:
- Operational Leadership: Streamline daily activities, embed standard operating procedures, and drive efficiency improvements.
- Governance Support: Oversee governance structures, lead secretariat duties for committees, and ensure compliance with RCR policies.
- Project Management: Scope, initiate, and deliver projects aligned with strategic objectives, managing risks and timelines effectively.
- Data & Reporting: Manage CRM systems, produce evaluation reports, and ensure compliance with data protection legislation.
- Recruitment & Onboarding: Support recruitment of staff and voluntary contributors, ensuring a welcoming and consistent experience.
- Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues, subject matter experts, and external partners to deliver high-quality learning experiences.
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has strong project management skills and thrives in a dynamic environment.
- Brings a proactive, solution-focused approach to operational challenges.
- Is passionate about continuous improvement and innovation.
- Communicates effectively with senior stakeholders and external partners.
- Has experience managing systems, processes, and governance activities.
Why join us
- Make a difference to the lives of Doctors and the specialities they work in every day!
- Hybrid working (60% working week can be done remotely)
- Modern working environment
- Equipment provided to work from home
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Excellent pension scheme
- Interest free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
Department: Property Services
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time (5 days per week, onsite and/or in the field — not a hybrid role)
Salary: £38,750 per annum
DBS requirement: None
Property Manager – A Strategic Career Opportunity in one of London’s Most Significant Estates
The London Diocesan Fund (LDF) is seeking an ambitious, recently qualified surveyor to join its Asset Management team of four other surveyors. This is a unique opportunity to work within one of London’s most diverse and historically significant estates, comprising over 1,500 assets across 18 boroughs, collaborating with leading consultants.
As Property Manager, you will enjoy a high degree of autonomy and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the estate. This position offers exceptional opportunities for professional development and forms part of the team’s long-term strategy.
Key Benefits of the Role:
- Purpose and Impact: Reduce risk and costs through excellent management of multi-occupied properties
- Optimise assets held by c.125 internal clients that support the mission of the Church of England in London
- Autonomy and Responsibility: Lead property management services across the Diocese and be the asset management lead for a defined area.
- Strategic Exposure: Gain experience in complex property law, charity governance, ESG initiatives, and heritage compliance.
- Career Growth: Benefit from structured development opportunities designed to accelerate your career development.
Candidate Profile:
- Degree in Real Estate with strong analytical and commercial skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building ability.
- Proactive, adaptable, and committed to professional excellence.
- Commitment to London real estate and the optimisation of property assets
- Right to work in the UK.
This is more than a property management role—it is a strategic career move offering influence, growth, and purpose within one of the UK’s most dynamic property environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a mixed property portfolio, overseeing service charges, lease events, tenant applications, and contractor performance.
- Lead on property data, reporting, and performance metrics, supporting strategic estate management.
- Work with internal teams on refurbishments, building projects, and wider property management plans.
- Build strong relationships with clergy, parishes, and tenants, offering guidance to maximise the value and potential of church land and buildings.
- Support market research, financial analysis, insurance processes, and the digitisation of property records.
- Contribute to ESG, Net Zero, and organisational culture initiatives.
Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details of this role.
About the London Diocesan Fund
The London Diocesan Fund (LDF) is the employment body that serves and supports the Diocese of London and Church of England. The Diocese of London comprises of c400 parishes north of the River Thames and within the M25 motorway. You can find our Diocesan 2030 vision, which outlines our priorities for the next 10 years on our website.
The Church of England in London is growing, vibrant and at the heart of communities throughout the capital. At the London Diocesan Fund, we seek to do everything we can to support this mission and growth, using our resources to help our parishes and chaplains to serve over 4 million people.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community.
We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.
Safeguarding
The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Benefits of working with us
The LDF offers a supportive working environment, opportunity for career development and the following financial benefits:
- Competitive remuneration package
- 27 annual leave days to rise to 30 after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays
- 15% employer pension contribution and salary sacrifice available
- Death in service benefit x3 of basic gross salary
- Enhanced maternity leave of six months full pay, after 12 months of employment
- Season ticket loans for public transport
- Access to Benenden Health Insurance
- EAP counselling through Health Assured
- Up to £100 for eye test and contribution to spectacles
- Two additional paid days for community volunteering
To apply
Submit your application and CV online via Pathways. Please refer to the person specification and JD when you’re answering the application questions.
For more details, please see the full Job Description and Person Specification or visit the LDF Careers Page.
Interviews will be held in person on 20 January 2026. Early applications are encouraged, as the position may be filled before the closing
For every Londoner to encounter the love of God in Christ



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
In2research Alumni Officer
Job Description
Reports to: Head of Programmes
Part Time (0.6) - £27,675 per annum FTE (9 month fixed-term contract)
In2research is a high impact and evidence informed social mobility programme for socioeconomically disadvantaged people to access and progress in postgraduate study. Our mission is to drive sector change across institutions towards an inclusive research culture. We strongly believe that it is not enough to guide underrepresented people into postgraduate study, but to ensure that the culture they are entering is inclusive and a place where they can thrive. Over a year, we support participants to gain vital access to both knowledge and opportunities including a paid 8-week research placement and subject specific mentoring.
As the In2research Alumni Officer, you will deliver a programme of continued support for the In2research participants increasing their ability to apply and be admitted to postgraduate research degrees and opportunities, as well as supporting our mission to foster an increased sense of belonging within the research community for individuals from minority groups. The post holder will have strong knowledge and understanding of the barriers facing young people from low socioeconomic and minority backgrounds accessing postgraduate research degrees and research opportunities.
The post holder will be someone who thrives working with young people and is passionate about supporting them progress to postgraduate research opportunities as well as supporting to achieve the In2research vision of creating a more diverse culture in academia.
In2scienceUK is a remote-based organisation, that requires occasional travel across the UK for events, internal & external meetings and staff co-working days.
Your specific duties will include:
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Delivering a high quality programme experience to support In2research alumni, aligned with learning objectives, beneficiary insights, our theory of change and resource.
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Develop and deliver engaging alumni communications e.g. newsletters, email updates, linkedin group posts, to keep In2research alumni informed of relevant news, opportunities and events.
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Maintain and develop new relationships with relevant partners to secure deliver online and in-person workshops and events aligned to In2research alumni progression milestones. e.g. "What is a viva and how to prepare for one" & PhD retreats.
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Work with our delivery partners to provide students application support e.g. application clinics.
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Support the delivery of one off in person events, e.g. the In2scienceUK celebration event.
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Maintaining up to date alumni records, in accordance with data protection, as well as working closely with the Data, Impact and Evaluation Manager to evaluate and report on In2research participant progression.
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Support with the collection and creation of case studies and alumni stories to promote alumni achievements and strengthen the community.
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Support the planning and delivery of organisational in-person events e.g. celebration days/conferences.
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Work closely with the In2research programme, fundraising teams and wider organisation to ensure funder requirements are met, and activities communicated.
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Support the wider In2research team with the current programme, and development of future aspects of the programme, where relevant.
As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the post holder. The post holder will carry out any other duties that are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager. All staff must undertake all mandatory training, checks and compliance as instructed by the organisation.
Essential:
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Prior experience managing alumni communities.
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Prior experience of working with students transitioning from higher education to postgraduate research degrees and detailed understanding of PGR pathways.
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A clear understanding of the social and economic barriers that prevent individuals from progressing into postgraduate research opportunities.
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Excellent organisational skills, able to multitask and manage a varied workload while paying attention to the details.
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Experience developing and maintaining strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at various levels.
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Experience designing and delivering events, both online and in-person, such as workshops and networking events.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong presentation skills and an ability to adapt to a range of audiences.
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Flexible and adaptable, with an ability to pick up new tasks quickly, showing resilience when faced with challenges.
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Knowledge, understanding or experience of programme or project evaluation.
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Working collaboratively and supporting fostering a collegiate workplace environment.
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Upholds the values of our code of conduct and is respectful to all.
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Competent user of Google Suite, Canva, email marketing software.
Desirable:
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Prior knowledge or experience of GDPR and safeguarding.
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Experience of using task/project management software and databases.
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Experience delivering programmes and/or projects within the education and academic sector.
Benefits:
At In2scienceUK we practise what we preach by giving all staff opportunities to progress in their careers. You will have the opportunity to develop your career with guidance from your line manager to get you to the next level from day one.
Although we take our career development seriously we also value work life balance. You will have the opportunity to work flexibly from home, balancing your caring responsibilities, volunteer commitments, hobbies and anything else that makes you happy.
In2scienceUK offers a Pension Salary Sacrifice Scheme along with other staff benefits. These include financial and wellbeing support through our employee assistance programme (EAP) and 100’s of retail and high street discounts.
You will have 28 days of annual leave per annum (pro rated to 0.6 FTE equivalent), plus bank holidays.
Commitment to Safeguarding:
In2scienceUK is committed to our responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults as outlined in Working Together to Safeguard Children. We are committed to recruiting candidates who share this commitment to safeguarding, and therefore we apply robust recruitment and selection procedures to ensure that the people selected are right for the job, and that all candidates are appropriately screened prior to appointment.
The following pre-employment checks will be undertaken as applicable:
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References
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DBS check and/or Overseas criminal records check where applicable
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Self-Disclosure
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Identity check
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Right to work in the UK
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Evidence of qualifications applicable to the role
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Confirmation of registration with applicable registered body where applicable
Many of our roles involve working with children and we will therefore take up references prior to your appointment. You should provide details of referees including your current and previous employers, covering the last 5 years. Your current or previous employer will be asked about disciplinary offences relating to children, if the role involved working with children, including any in which the penalty is time expired. We will also ask if you have been the subject of any child protection concerns and if so, the outcome of any enquiry or disciplinary procedure.
Please provide a CV and Cover Letter outlining why you are suitable for this role
In2scienceUK exists to unlock the potential of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and boost diversity and inclusion in the STEM sector.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Hybrid
Department: External Affairs & Communications directorate
Salary: £43,500 - £48,000
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time (35 hours per week)
Closing Date: 19th January 2026, 10.00am
Benefits: 10% employers pension contribution (NEST) HSF Health cash Plan-covering employee partners and dependants under 18 28 days Annual Leave plus bank holidays and increases with length of service 2 hours weekly wellbeing time out Employee assistance program , offering GP advice lines, virtual doctors, prescription services, emotional wellbeing support, a legal help line and counselling. Funded eye site test (Specsavers) Pay it forward days- 2 days volunteering Mindful Employer Perkbox and Reward Gateway – discount platforms
Overall Purpose
This role works flexibly across the organisation, providing practical support and expertise around impact, learning and insight in relation to our mission.
This is a practical role, which will deliver support across a number of related areas
• Ensuring we are capturing, understanding and using evidence and data to inform the development of our programmes, initiatives, policy positions and wider organisational strategy
• Support the design and delivery our work to ensure we are set up to measure our impact or that of our sector, and providing support both internally and externally
• Capturing and ensuring we are using the insights we generate.
Key Responsibilities
The main duties and responsibilities of the role holder are as outlined below:
Impact and Insight Delivery
• Work with colleagues across the organisation, and in particular programmes and policy teams and wider organisation to help convene, capture, collate and analyse evidence and impact data from external sources, bringing expertise and practical support to the development of transformation initiatives, policy positions, and wider organisational strategy.
• Support the development of impact frameworks for our initiatives, supporting a systems level understanding of the transformation we seek, and at an organisational level.
• Work with colleagues across the organisation to shape and scope the evaluation/learning required to inform our initiatives or those of our members.
• Ensure strategic alignment of evaluation and impact measurement between our initiatives and programmes.
• Analyse and synthesis data and information received from evaluations, grant reports, learning events and other activity to establish key insights
• Create reports and summary insight documents which capture and explain insights succinctly and in ways that help understand and share key insights, informing our policy and the development of future transformation activity.
• Develop sector benchmarking reports to evidence the impact of the sector and the organisation.
Stakeholder Management and External Engagement
• Assist in the design, tendering, mobilisation and management of external evaluators or external suppliers of learning & insight activity.
• Provide strategic and technical insights into externally commissioned evaluations.
• Support colleagues in the design of high quality learning events, and provide additional capacity when required for their delivery.
• Contribute to supporting NHS Charities to improve their ability to capture learning and insight, providing advice and guidance 1:1 and through supporting the delivery of member events. Where required support the delivery of paid for consulting support to NHS charities on learning and insight.
Internal Collaboration
• Provide practical support to learning processes and help drive an internal culture of learning and development
• Coach and upskill colleagues in the design and delivery of activity relating to learning, analysis and insight capture.
• Provide expert evaluation support where required across the organisation
• Ensure that colleagues across the organisation are informed of insight and learning emerging from programmes, and work with them to identify areas of interest for further exploration.
• Support governance processes by contributing to reports, papers, feeding back to meetings, review panels or advisory groups.
Other duties
· Visibly live NHS Charities Togethers values, including our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
· Carrying out the duties of post in accordance with NHS Charities Togethers policies and procedures on Health and Safety and take responsibility for ensuring personal health and safety.
· Working flexibly, prioritising workload, and working effectively as part of a team. Demonstrating an ability to work calmly and effectively when under pressure of tight deadlines, to deliver work on time and to a high standard.
· Adhere to relevant legislation, best practice, policies, and processes including, but not limited to charity law, the fundraising regulator, GDPR and professional codes and standards.
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of duties. The need for flexibility is required, and the post holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within the employee’s skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed.
REF-225 782
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Summary
EduSpots is an innovative, dynamic, and community-orientated UK and Ghanaian registered charity which connects, trains, and equips grassroots voluntary educators (named ‘Catalysts’) to drive community-led change through education spaces named ‘Spots’. Our vision is of a world in which communities unite to create the futures they want to see, through education.
Since 2016, through collaborating with over 400 local voluntary community educators and actors – named ‘Catalysts’ – who take a central leadership role in the development of the network, we have supported 50 communities in creating and running community-led and owned education spaces named ‘Spots’’. Together, we are developing a model for a community-led education space with accompanying network engagement that could have global relevance.
Our Ghana-based team creates collaborative learning opportunities through three leadership programmes for Catalysts which are increasingly facilitated by the EduSpots app: the Ignite, Catalyse and Inspire Mentoring Programmes. These enable the Catalysts to lead EduKidz (early years education), DigLit (digital literacy), EcoSTEM (STEM and environmental education) and Ignite Equity (gender equity) clubs for learners typically aged 3-16, alongside locally designed education projects, reaching over 10,000 learners of all ages annually.
We are in an exciting period of our development, having more than doubled our income, programme breadth and reach in the last two years, with a recent independent evaluation by Expectation State offering further evidence in support of our model’s outcomes. We have been recently selected for two accelerator programmes, who are supporting us as we consider the scaling potential of our model. In the period, we are aiming to double our network reach, bringing an additional 50 Spots into the network.
We won the Tes International Award in 2018 and the Big Give Supporters’ Choice Award in 2022, and we were recently selected as a finalist for the 2023 Their World Scale-Up Innovation Prize. In 2021, our Founder was a Finalist in the UNESCO-backed $1 million Global Teacher Prize.
We are excited by our future.
About this role
The Global Head of Operations is a new role being introduced in 2026 with the core purpose of strengthening systems, processes and strategic delivery across both EduSpots Global and EduSpots Ghana, offering hands-on support to the CEO and wider staff across a range of areas.
In this senior role, you will work closely alongside the CEO, offering her the advice and skills needed to move EduSpots successfully through a complex period of growth in a challenging fundraising context, enabling more learners and Catalysts to participate in a unique community-led model of education, whilst sharing our practice more widely.
We are looking for an organised and empathetic strategic leader, ideally with strong or developing skills across project management, finance, HR and MEL skills and an ability to work independently in a fast moving work environment.
This role has the potential to grow into a Director of Global Operations or Deputy CEO role in time for outstanding candidates, and carries significant organisation-wide responsibility.
Candidates should hold a genuine passion for educational equity, a strong belief in the power of community-led models to transform lives at scale and a high level of flexibility in a fast-changing yet friendly and playful work environment.
Whilst this role is remote, and open to all global candidates, you will need to have understanding and experience of UK law, accounting and policy development, or a strong appetite to build experience in this area quickly.
Main duties and responsibilities
Systems
- Work with the CEO and staff to proactively strengthen systems and processes across the organisation, including monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks and operations.
- Support the wider team with IT, including general skill development, leading the Google Space system.
- Monitor compliance to organisational policies and lead the quarterly review of the organisational risk register, working with the Ghana Head of Operations.
Finance
- Work with the Finance and Admin Officer to produce monthly and quarterly global management accounts, cash flow analysis and to complete the annual audit.
- Lead the financial planning of the organisation, working with the CEO and the Ghana Head of Operations to create the annual budget.
- Work with the Ghana Head of Operations to strengthen financial systems, processes, and training across the organisation.
- Work with the Ghana Head of Operations to prepare budgets for funding bids as needed.
- Work with the grants team to track grant spending and produce consolidated financial reports (including expenditure from the UK and Ghana) for donors.
- Ensure EduSpots’ new accounting software (QuickBooks) is fully embedded and utilised.
- Oversee bank account management, including payments, checking bank statements, and reviewing bank reconciliations for UK and Ghana.
- Ensure staff payroll (likely to be outsourced) and payments to freelancers / consultants are done accurately and in a timely manner.
HR
- Work alongside the CEO, Head of Operations, Safeguarding and Inclusion Managers and wider staff to develop strategies to sustain and strengthen a high performing and friendly work culture.
- Work across the team to strengthen HR and performance management structures, informed by best practice and legal frameworks.
- Lead the recruitment of staff, consultants and volunteers in the UK (advertising roles, drafting contracts, contacting referees and completing all filing and administration relating to recruitment).
- Onboard new staff, provide training on policies and procedures, and track key information (leave, appraisals, etc) for UK staff.
- Regularly review and keep the Staff Handbook up to date.
- Depending on skill-set, work with the CEO to lead professional development for staff across the organisation, liaising with trustees and advisory group members.
Administration & Governance
- Manage and maintain databases and our Google Drive system.
- Ensure compliance with GDPR and adherence to our child safeguarding and protection policy.
- Maintain insurance renewals, tracking and filing.
- Review and keep up to date all organisational policies in line with current legislation, working with the Trustees and Directors.
- Assist the CEO in the administration relating to EduSpots’ governance, including board meeting arrangements and minute taking.
- Support the CEO in all ad-hoc tasks that arise, working closely alongside her to ensure the smooth running of the organisation.
Strategic insight
- Work closely with the CEO and staff/Catalysts across the organisation to ensure all EduSpots’ decision-making is strategic and in the best interests of the Catalysts, Sparks and Communities we partner with.
Other areas
- Depending on experience, you may in time take on management responsibilities for some staff, but this role is principally a systems strengthening and quality improvement role, working closely with the CEO to offer advice and additional capacity.
- Depending on experience, you may support with grants writing / management and/or community fundraising. Experience of fundraising would be of significant benefit to the organisation in this key leadership role.
Personal Specification
Essential
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience of operations in a small/medium charity context.
- Self-starter with the ability to hit the ground running and work with minimal supervision with high levels of flexibility.
- Self-motivated, with an ability to motivate and energise others.
- High level strategic understanding, critical thinking and the ability to strengthen systems in a fast-paced high performance environment.
- Excellent communication, both oral and written.
- The ability to thrive and adapt in a fast-paced, creative and impact-driven culture.
- Strong administrative skills with a high level of attention to detail.
- Experience in creating user-friendly tools and processes to support project and quality management.
- Experience using Google Suite, with strong Excel skills.
- Tech savvy – ability to learn new tech tools efficiently.
- Experience coordinating others.
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills with strong empathy and cultural sensitivity
- Strong personal alignment with the mission, vision and values of EduSpots.
Highly desirable
- Experience supporting charity Boards, and working with external bodies including auditors, tax authorities, and other official bodies is highly desirable.
- Experience complying and strong familiarity with UK charity regulations and requirements.
- Experience preparing budgets and financial reports for donors/grants.
- Experience of working in a cross-cultural team.
- Experience of working with an international charity would be advantageous.
Please send a tailored covering letter and CV addressed to the CEO Miss Cat Davison by Wednesday 31st December with a hope to meet shortlisted candidates for a first-round interview in the week starting Monday 12th January.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis? Are you calm, non-judgmental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?
Can you demonstrate our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness and want to be part of our mission to create opportunities for individuals to make choices, find their own solutions, build resilience and manage their whole life and wellbeing?
If the answer to all of these is yes, we want to hear from you.
Crisis Cafe Coordinator
Reference: 320
Responsible to: Crisis Café Team Leader
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £25,000 per annum, pro rata
Hours: Part time, 30 hours per week
Working Base(s): Watford Crisis Café + travel to other sites where necessary
Work pattern: 17:30pm – 01:30am, worked across a 7-day flexible rota (including 2x Saturdays per month)
About the Role
Alongside other Crisis Cafe Coordinators, you will be a key member of the Crisis team, providing effective operational leadership delivering the Nightlight Mental Health Crisis Café and Helpline Service.
You will be ensuring the delivery and development of quality crisis support services and instilling Hertfordshire Mind Network’s values throughout the provision. You will provide management support to Crisis Café and Helpline Mental Health Support Workers and volunteers and support the Crisis Café Team Leader in ensuring practice within the service is safe, effective and person centred.
About the Service
Our Nightlight Service (Cafés, Helpline, 24/7 Crisis House and Daylight provision) is proud to provide urgent support, crisis intervention and emotional support to people experiencing a mental health crisis in Hertfordshire as an alternative to statutory pathways.
We provide support to adults across Hertfordshire 7 days a week, 365 days a year through our helpline, crisis centres, crisis cafes and a weekend Crisis House. We aim to provide a safe space for people in crisis to talk and feel supported, be listened to without judgement, access relevant support with problem solving and facilitate access to external services when necessary. As a member of our team you will work closely with service users in crisis by using a person-centred approach as to ensure that each individual is supported with dignity and respect. By honouring the individual experience of each service user, we are able to respect their autonomy as well as encourage and facilitate positive steps towards management of crisis and recovery.
The objectives of Hertfordshire Mind Network’s (HMN) Nightlight Mental Health Crisis Services are:
- To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health crisis in Hertfordshire.
- To increase early access to help for people experiencing mental health crisis in Hertfordshire, by providing a clear and effective pathway to services provided by Herts Mind Network and other third sector and statutory providers.
- To contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
- To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
- To provide an alternative pathway to people in distress and crisis to support better outcomes and reduce the demand on statutory crisis services and emergency services.
At the Crisis Cafes we promote and enable people to access support in a way that suits them, whether that’s through talking to someone or simply by providing a safe space to have time alone or engage with trained staff.
We offer:
- Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
- An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
- Ongoing training relevant to your role.
- An Employee Assistance Programme.
- Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.
Closing date for applications is 2nd January 2026.
Interviews will be held week commencing 12th January 2026.
N.B: Please quote reference number 320 when completing your application for this role.
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.
In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.
Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.
No agencies please.
Director of Operations
Lead with Purpose. Shape the Future of Christian Care.
Pilgrims’ Friend Society has been providing Christian care to older people for over 200 years. Today, as the UK faces an unprecedented ageing population, we are growing to meet the challenge and we need an exceptional leader to help us deliver our vision of fulfilled living for older people.
We operate 12 care homes and 9 housing schemes across England, with ambitious plans to expand to 15 homes and beyond. Our mission is clear: to provide outstanding care rooted in Christian values, and to partner with local churches so that older people experience dignity, community, and the love of Christ.
About the Role
As Director of Operations, you will:
- Lead and oversee our portfolio of established care homes and housing schemes.
- Ensure regulatory compliance, quality of care, and financial sustainability.
- Drive operational excellence, innovation, and efficiency through systems and processes.
- Work closely with our Executive Team to deliver our Growth and Renewal Programme, including new builds and acquisitions.
- Inspire and develop a talented team of managers and operational leaders.
This is a senior leadership role with significant influence on the future of our organisation and the lives of hundreds of older people.
About You
- We are looking for a strategic, values-driven leader who brings:
- Significant experience in adult social care operations or a closely related sector.
- Strong knowledge of regulatory, Health & Safety, and compliance frameworks.
- Proven ability to deliver quality and financial targets at scale.
- A collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to developing people and culture.
A personal Christian faith and alignment with our basis of faith(a genuine occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010).
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a growing organisation with a clear vision and calling.
- Influence how society values older people and supports churches in ministry.
- Work in a culture that prioritises prayer, faith, and excellence.
- Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and life assurance.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.
As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.
We are looking for graduates who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a permanent role as an Education Worker on IntoUniversity’s Graduate Scheme, helping to change the lives of young people.
We believe that our Graduate Scheme is one of the most exciting in the charity sector, an excellent career opportunity with exceptional training and hands-on experience, opportunities for promotion, and the chance to work with young people and colleagues who will challenge and inspire you.
Locations: We have positions available in Bradford, Nottingham and London.
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Applications close: 9am Tuesday 6th January 2026
Start date: Late January/early February 2026 – you must be eligible and available to start at this time.
Salary
£28,250 per year (plus £,200 London contribution for London based positions)
What could my day look like?
The Education Worker role is a frontline, fast-paced and rewarding role where no two weeks will look the same. A typical day will have different activities, possibly spread between the IntoUniversity centre, partner schools and the offices of a corporate partner.
In the morning, you might be setting off with resources to run a workshop for sixth-form students in their secondary school. In the afternoon you may be setting up the classroom ahead of running Primary Academic Support for young people in your IntoUniversity centre. On other days, you may be travelling to a corporate partner to run a business simulation workshop for 15 year-olds or leading a group of final year primary school students on a campus visit for their graduation.
As an Education Worker, you’ll always be delivering the programme as part of your centre team, which means that any delivery is always a team effort.
IntoUniversity provides local learning centres where young people are inspired to achieve.



The Director of Communications is an exciting new leadership role with ambitious charity that is working to tackle the challenge of physical inactivity and inequalities in access to options to be active. You will be contributing to improving the health outcomes and lives of the people of Lincolnshire.
Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, this role will lead our strategic communications approach - shaping powerful narratives that articulate impact, influence system-level change and champion the role of physical activity in tackling inequalities across Lincolnshire.
The role has the following core purpose:
- Set and lead the organisation’s strategic communications approach, ensuring audiences are clearly defined, understood, and engaged.
- Shape and govern the organisation and sector narrative, using communications to articulate impact and create advocacy for inclusive systemic change around physical activity.
- Develop and oversee system-wide communications strategies, fostering collaboration and change at scale through cross-sector partnerships.
- Lead strategic stakeholder stewardship, building and maintaining long-term relationships that influence system-level change and galvanise system partners around a shared narrative.
- Drive monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) for communications, using data and insights to demonstrate impact and inform future direction.
- Provide inclusive leadership, inspiring and developing the communications team, being a senior leader in the organisation, embedding a values-driven, learning culture.
The role will enhance the positioning of the organisation and the wider impact of physical activity, through clear and compelling messages and storytelling.
You will need an exceptional ability to translate complex insight into clear strategic messaging, identify opportunities for influence, and create system-wide approaches to communications that drive meaningful change. You will be proactive, innovative and able to respond quickly and appropriately in a shifting environment.
You will bring extensive experience in senior level stakeholder engagement and stewardship, nurturing and developing relationships that enable Active Lincolnshire to further influence opportunities to shift the system and make a difference in tackling the inequalities that exist.
You will have the ability to influence and advocate. Using your excellent communication skills, combined with insight you will create deep and meaningful narratives championing the physical activity sector, the benefits of being active and the contribution it makes to wider community and economic opportunities and to promote the options to be active in the county.
An outcome focused approach is key, ensuring there are robust measures in place to understand and evaluate the impact of our work.
Reward Package:
- Circa. £50,000 per annum depending on experience
- 25 days annual leave, plus all bank holidays and 3 days during the Christmas week (Total c.36 days per annum).
- ‘Celebration day’; additional day for an occasion / birthday / event (subject to annual review)
- Westfield Health private healthcare
- Cycle to work scheme
- Flexible working approach
- Time to be active in the working week
- Team away days
- Personal development and training opportunities
- Time in the working week to volunteer
- Employer contribution pension scheme
- Employee wellbeing policy
- Contribution to making a difference to the lives of people in Lincolnshire
Deadline for applications is Sunday 18 January 2026
Interviews will be held at the Active Lincolnshire office in Lincoln the week commencing Monday 26 January.
More people, more active, more often
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.
We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving alert assistance dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.
We have an exciting new opportunity to join this innovative charity that is a world-leader in its specialist field.
JOB TITLE:Regional Assistance Dog Instructor Scotland
LOCATION:Scotland (Central belt, between Glasgow and Edinburgh)
SALARY:£24K - £29K per annum, depending on experience
JOB TYPE: Part time and full time hours considered, with occasional evening and weekend work required
REPORTS TO: Instructor Manager
The Job
We are looking for a passionate and driven person who ideally has previous experience and skills working as an Instructor within an Assistance Dog organisation, who has worked with clients and partnerships. The role includes supporting both clients who have had a MDD dog placed with them and also our own dog applicants with their puppies and young dogs to ensure they receive the highest standard of socialisation and early training in terms of obedience, public access and developing an alert to the applicant’s condition, with the aim to reach an accreditable assistance dog partnership status. It is also will include carrying out client specific and odour training for MDD own dogs, placing these dogs with their new clients and looking after a number of established partnerships. This role would suit somebody residing in the central belt of Scotland, between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Duties that encompass the role of an Instructor include:
- Be the first point of contact for the allocated partnerships in your area, covering all areas of Scotland. To provide guidance and instruction to applicants who have applied to the charity to have their own dogs considered for the training programme guidance and instruction on handling, behaviour and obedience and odour training as well as newly placed partnerships.
- Alongside the Instructing team, to run puppy classes, public access training, recall sessions in small groups for applicant own dogs that are in line with the charity’s quality standards and in accordance with timescales and targets.
- To also carry out support visits and home interviews for applicants and clients that have been allocated to you.
- Regularly monitor progress of the puppies and partnerships in training in your area and provide detailed, evidenced feedback to Instructor Manager and Head of Assistance Dog Programme.
- To carry out client specific training with any MDD owned dogs that have been matched, including the required odour scent training.
- Instructing, guiding and supporting new assistance dog clients in managing and handling a Medical Alert Assistance Dog effectively, via pre training, placement training and aftercare visits.
- Supporting partnerships in training in successfully reaching an accreditation standard and in maintaining this
- standard throughout the life of the partnership.
- To support a number of established partnerships in the form of aftercare, refresher training and yearly re-accreditations, assisting further afield on occasions as required.
Responsibilities
- To escalate issues and problems to the Instructor Manager as appropriate.
- To assist the Dog Supply Team with carrying out scent assessments on any MDD dogs in socialising as and when required with the support of the Instructor Manager and rest of the Instructing Team.
- To plan, organise and deliver practical and theoretical training to clients, meeting their individual needs in line with agreed standards to include areas such as dog welfare, appropriate handling, commanding and overall management. This will involve working with the parents as Team Leader and child as Client and working with adult clients.
- Assess the team dynamics of the family & balancing the needs of all family members as well as those of the dog.
- Assess the individuals preferred learning style and amending as relevant to aid a client.
- To accompany the client into all regular environments that they will take the dog to, ensuring the dog behaves in an acceptable manner and that the client and others are aware and clear in terms of where they dog should reside and behave for eg public transport, place of work. To complete a check list of environments for any applicant own dogs in training who are on the programme to be assessed within.
- To support and advise clients in transferring the odour training from pot training and recognising alerting behaviours to establish real life alerting.
- To monitor the correct and false alerting percentages of allocated partnerships via data analysis, advising where necessary until the correct alerting levels are achieved.
- To complete comprehensive reports and paperwork for any time spent with applicants or partnerships in training or established. Maintain accurate records by providing verbal and written information with agreed timescales about clients, dogs, applicants and apprentices as appropriate.
- To work alongside allocated partnerships with the aim of the partnership reaching an accredited standard and feeding back to the Instructor Manager and Assistance Dog Programme Manager if there are any concerns that the accreditation cannot be achieved.
- To provide clients with appropriate aftercare services at regular intervals in their own homes in the form of annual visits, support visits or at refresher workshops run at the Centre to agreed standards. This will include continual re-assessment of the dynamics of family and dog, formulating and training on appropriate solutions, as well as offering additional dog training advice.
- To deliver handling days as part of an applicant’s pre training to include ‘Introduction to Assistance Dog’ ‘Advanced Handling’ and Family Handling.
- To scent train and seizure proof advanced dogs in preparation to be partnered with an adult or child client and ensure that applicant own dogs have received this at the earliest opportunity.
- To maintain the ongoing public access training with any advanced dog in scent training that has been allocated to them.
- To provide local support to the growing puppy socialisation scheme, based in and around Perth.
- To provide support to the Charity’s public relations and fundraising functions as required, specifically in your area.
- To act as the ‘contact’ person for the assistance dog programme in relation to training policy procedures with clients and their families, other professional service providers and members of the public. This will include on-going research and development of the project.
- To liaise with and provide support for Volunteers who may operate as part of the aftercare programme provided by the charity.
- To ensure all partnerships are in line with the ADUK regulations with regards to behaviour, obedience and welfare and branding.
- Due to the nature of the role, flexible working hours may be required in some instances to facilitate the effective delivery of the work e.g. working during the school holidays with school age clients.
Other
- Share best practice with colleagues across the charity.
- Any other duties or tasks that are required to ensure the successful running of the Medical Alert Assistance Dog Department and the Charity overall.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- High level of preparation, organisational and co-ordination skills
- Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills
- Experience of running puppy classes and carrying out public access training and recall sessions
- High level of self – motivation and planning
- Approachable, calm and empathetic to children and adults with debilitating and life threatening conditions
- Happy to travel alone within the UK to visit any clients as necessary.
- Happy to be on call at all times for partnerships as and when required.
- Happy to stay away from home and stay in local hotel when the client’s location is too far from your home to travel back.
- Happy and able to have Medical Alert Assistance Dogs in training to reside in their home.
- Good team worker, but equally able to work alone.
- Positive, empathetic and calm attitude
- Able to embrace a constantly evolving organisation
- Flexible
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Previous Assistance Dog Instructing or Dog Training with puppy socialisers experience
- Knowledge of AD(UK) and ADI regulations
- Law in relation to dogs.
- Knowledge of medical conditions relevant to puppies between 8 weeks and 2 years of age.
- Dog and human psychology.
- Proven evidence and experience of dog handling and training skills
- Previous experience of teaching and instructing
- Sound dog training and dog behaviour knowledge
- IT literacy and report writing skills
- Experience of using Microsoft based programs such as Outlook, Word,
- Excel, Internet Explorer and Power Point, teams, zoom and Microsoft
- Share point for data etc
- Full UK driving licence
- Pass a DBS (CRB) check due to regular contact with children
Preferable
- Knowledge of debilitating medical conditions and understanding of how they can impact people, both physically and psychologically, particularly when they are unstable and fluctuating.
- Previous knowledge of odour/scent training.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- High level of preparation, organisational and co-ordination skills
- Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills
- High level of self – motivation and planning
- Approachable, calm and empathetic to children and adults with debilitating and life threatening conditions
- Happy to travel alone within the UK to visit any clients as necessary.
- Happy to be on call at all times for partnerships as and when required – to include outside standard working hours.
- Able and willing to stay away from home and stay in local hotel when the client’s location is too far from the Centre to travel back.
- If able, possibility of having Medical Alert Assistance Dogs in training to reside in their home through the 6 – 8 week training phase.
- Good team worker, but equally able to work alone.
- Positive, empathetic and calm attitude
- Able to embrace a constantly evolving organisation
- You should be supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs and capable of working as part of a team, as well as able to motivate yourself.
- You should be adaptable and positively embrace change by not only being flexible towards the ideas of others but also putting forward ideas to colleagues. This will involve creativity in problem solving and making appropriate responses to new ideas and unexpected situations.
DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION
We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Values & Behaviours
Working at Medical Detection Dogs will be a richly rewarding experience.
Our Values & Behaviours encapsulate who we are, what we stand for and what it will feel like to be part of our team:
- We are respectful.
- We stay positive.
- We strive for excellence.
- We communicate and listen.
- We are ambassadors.
- We are one team.
And of course, we advocate for Medical Detection Dogs whenever we get the chance, and we pride ourselves on our role as ambassadors for the charity.
Finally, the successful candidate will also be expected to:
- Hold a full UK Driving Licence
- Provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK.
- Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Work some evenings and weekends
- Be willing to travel to the Centre based near Milton Keynes
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.